Worship is a super-spreader event that “should be avoided for years.” That is a conclusion from a Business Insider author. Lest I feel overly hurt by those sentiments, I should note that birthday parties should also be canceled.
It’s these titanic assertions from reputable sources that make me just a bit more certain that I am not over-reacting to current events. From the beginning I have argued vociferously that the loss of church rituals entail a loss of church identity. It opens our doors to exaggerated speculations about our corporate death. Indoor gatherings may extend contact which may perhaps lead to positive cases of the virus. But what such authors don’t grasp is that these indoor gatherings are the responsible voices in establishing the direction of societies. We don’t gather on Sundays because it is safe, we gather on Sundays because we are intentionally seeking danger by confronting principalities and powers.
It is evident that the only thing that super-spreads these days is the antagonism towards the Church and her faith. That is the deeper virus that infects the human soul.
Of course, one would charge me and say, “But he is also calling for the end of birthday parties. He is not singling out churches.” The point is precisely that: that the worship of the Triune God would be neatly tucked in a list with cakes and clowns. Peace be upon birthday parties! If birthday parties were to be cancelled for years to come there would be a revolution in every street in America filled with little people shooting their Lego weapons at civic leaders. So, count me in to voluntarily drive my share of little Ninjago-dressed characters to protest.
But the point is that the Church is a target because of what it upholds and what it communicates with its open doors to the peoples. She spreads boldly with singing and confessing and preaching and eating: “Jesus is Lord!” He is the ancient of days whose years have no end. To quiet the Church is to quiet her Lord. So, no; we will not suspend our gatherings for years. We may have given you a week or four, but you can’t expect us to give you our souls as well.
